| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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|
| Acting: |
A+ |
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|
| Direction: |
A- |
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|
| Visuals: |
B+ |
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|
A Tremendous Achievement
by Adam (movies profile)
Mar 27, 2007
175
of
191 people found this review helpful
21 Grams is not your typical movie-going fare. It is a disturbing picture that is simultaneously shocking and rewarding. The characters portrayed here have serious problems that many viewers could not even begin to associate with. However, there is something about the emotional urgency of the film that just grabs on and doesn't let go.
The story unfolds in a confusing array of images and situations. Think Pulp Fiction on speed. People with a limited attention span should stay clear as they will probably become bored or irritated. For those that can fully immerse themselves into a tragic story about the flaws of the human condition though, your interest will never wane and the story will continue to haunt you after leaving the theater. Obviously, the strongest aspects of this film revolve around the three outstanding leads. If Sean Penn doesn't pick up an Oscar for this or Mystic River, something is truly wrong. Naomi Watts might as well prepare her speech, her performance is THAT stunning. In one devastating scene, she has one of the most convincing breakdowns I have ever seen. Benicio Del Toro is likewise superb. I will not lie to you...this IS a very depressing movie. That is something that I was forced to come to terms with very quickly. In the end however, I felt like something truly special was discovered. I have never seen a movie with such realistic and emotional performances.
I have one last point to mention about the movie, mainly from my parents' suggestions as I invited them along with me to see the movie. Yahoo's Movie Mom referred this film for ages 16 and up. I found this film to be extremely mature with a very graphic and prolonged sexual situation. Parents should be strongly cautioned about letting their children see this film. The material, by itself, deserves that much respect.
In summary, this movie is for a select group of people who can truly appreciate great film-making. 21 Grams is definitely one of the best of the year! |
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